FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIN CITY CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR 5th ANNUAL KEN SCEARCE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Each year, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sports festival honors an individual whose leadership and dedication betters a local LGBTQ+ sports league.
LOS ANGELES – (November 20, 2025) – The Sin City Classic Sports Festival Presented by Lexus, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sporting festival, today opened nominations for the 5th annual Ken Scearce Leadership Award. Each year, the festival honors the memory and legacy of Ken Scearce, the festival’s former Executive Director, who passed away suddenly in 2021. The award recognizes an individual whose leadership and dedication have bettered a local LGBTQ+ sports league.
“Ken absolutely loved having the opportunity to bring together LGBTQ+ athletes, not only for a weekend of competition, but to also surround himself with friends from across the country who shared his passion for queer athletics,” said Sin City Classic co-Executive Director Dr. Jason Peplinski. “This honor truly embodies the role Ken played in shaping our tournament and the thousands of participants who attend.”
The Ken Scearce Leadership Award recognizes athletes, coaches, referees, officials, and other volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to promoting the value and importance of LGBTQ+ sports. Their participation, both on and off the playing field, inspires others within their organization or community and fosters a sense of belonging—their hard work and selfless commitment directly and positively impact the lives of others.
The organizing committee of the Sin City Classic will determine the winner of the Ken Scearce Leadership Award based on the following criteria:
You can submit your nomination for the Ken Scearce Leadership Award here or via email by completing this form.
Previous Ken Scearce Leadership Award winners are:
· 2022 – Andrew Miller – Los Angeles
· 2023 – Tommy Otterbine – Philadelphia
· 2024 – Mark Hedelund – Seattle
· 2025 – CJ Kelly – Kansas City
The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) created the Sin City Classic in 2008 as an LGBTQ+ softball tournament meant to provide a safe and competitive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ athletes. Over the past 17 years, the tournament has grown to include 24 sports and approximately 10,000 athletes and fans. GLASA remains committed to creating the best experience possible for a diverse roster of dedicated athletes who participate and the fans and allies to come to enjoy the festival.
This year’s full list of sports includes: Basketball, Billiards, Bowling, Bridge, Cheerleading, Cornhole, Darts – Soft Tip, Darts – Steel Tip, Diving, Dodgeball, Flag Football, Golf, Indoor Rowing, Kickball, Martial Arts, Pickleball, Rodeo University, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball (Indoor), Volleyball (Sand), and Wrestling & Grappling.
The Sin City Classic is proudly hosted at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Additional sponsors include the presenting sponsor, Lexus, as well as Caesar’s Entertainment, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Q Health, mistr, Identity Health, ViiV Healthcare, the Federation of Gay Games, uberlube, GayVN, System Jo, Green Session, Gym Bar West Hollywood, and Piranha Nightclub.
For more information and updates about the Sin City Classic or to register your team, please visit www.sincityclassic.org. Follow the Sin City Classic on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and/or X.
About GLASA
GLASA is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that encourages and hosts the participation of LGBTQ individuals and their allies in organized sporting competitions.
Contact:
Mark Umbach
Sin City Classic, Media Relations
maumbach@hotmail.com
